Heat shock proteins and scavenger receptors: role in adaptive immune responses

Immunol Invest. 2005;34(3):325-42. doi: 10.1081/imm-200064505.

Abstract

Tumor-derived heat shock proteins have shown promise as anti-cancer vaccines in clinical trials. Heat shock proteins (HSPs) can generate potent anti-tumor immunity and elicit antigen-specific CD8+ T cell responses in murine studies. Antigen presenting cells (APC), such as macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs), can elicit antigen-specific CD8+ T cell responses mediated by HSPs. CD91 was the first identified endocytic scavenger receptor for HSPs on APC that can facilitate the process of cross-presentation. Other scavenger receptors may also play a similar role in this process. The present review critically evaluates the identified HSP endocytic receptors on APCs that may generate adaptive immune responses. A better understanding of this interaction between HSPs and APCs may further unravel mechanisms of immunoadjuvant function of HSPs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigens, CD / physiology
  • Heat-Shock Proteins / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Active*
  • Immunity, Cellular*
  • Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor-Related Protein-1
  • Mice

Substances

  • Antigens, CD
  • Heat-Shock Proteins
  • LRP1 protein, human
  • Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor-Related Protein-1